Choose the term that best describes the following chemical reaction:

C10H8 + 12 O2 10 CO2 + 4 H2O

A. synthesis
B. combustion
C. electrolytic
D. decomposition

You didn't put in the arrow.

This is a combustion reaction.

chemical reaction: C10H8 + 12 O2 → 10 CO2 + 4 H2O

The reaction C10H8 + 12 O2 → 10 CO2 + 4 H2O is an example of a combustion reaction.

To determine the term that best describes the given chemical reaction, we need to understand the definitions of the options provided:

A. Synthesis: Synthesis refers to a chemical reaction in which two or more substances combine to form a new, more complex substance.

B. Combustion: Combustion is a type of chemical reaction that occurs when a substance reacts with oxygen, typically resulting in the release of energy in the form of heat and light. It usually involves the rapid combination of a fuel (or hydrocarbon) with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O).

C. Electrolytic: Electrolytic refers to a process that involves the use of an electric current to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction. It typically occurs in an electrolytic cell, where the substance being electrolyzed (the electrolyte) undergoes a chemical change.

D. Decomposition: Decomposition is a chemical reaction in which a compound breaks down into simpler substances.

Analyzing the given reaction, C10H8 + 12 O2 -> 10 CO2 + 4 H2O, we see that a compound, C10H8 (which is naphthalene, a hydrocarbon), combines with oxygen (O2) to produce carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). This reaction is commonly known as the combustion of naphthalene.

Therefore, the term that best describes the given chemical reaction is B. Combustion.